Residents’ perception of socio-economic impact of oil and gas operations in the ellembelle district of Western region of Ghana

Abstract

Petroleum production has been found to provide immense benefits in areas of job creation and revenue generation to host countries across the globe. Arguably, petroleum production in Ghana has not translated into the expected economic and socio-cultural wealth of host communities. This study, therefore, examined economic and socio-cultural impact of the oil and gas operations in the Ellembelle District, Western Region of Ghana. The study employed the mixed research approach and descriptive design. It was found that oil and gas operations have resulted in shortages of housing units, increased market connectivity, loss of livelihoods, resource related disputes and threat to the quality of ecological life. It was also found that majority (64.2%) of residents in host communities were highly dissatisfied with oil and gas operations because these companies were unwilling to improve their operations to suit the needs of residents. It was therefore recommended that policy makers in the oil and gas sector implement policies aimed at improving the operations of the oil and gas companies.